Otis Jones, Jr., affectionately known as “Jrbug,” was born on June 21, 1950, to the late Otis Jones and Mary Ellen Tyler in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was the second of six children. At the age of ten, Jrbug moved from Little Rock to San Diego, California, settling in Southeast San Diego. He received his education at Lincoln High School, graduating in 1969. On February 24, 1970, Jrbug was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served until 1972. Though not deployed to Vietnam—due to having a sibling already serving—he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter (Rifle) Medal. After an honorable discharge, Jrbug worked alongside his father at General Dynamics/Convair. He later held positions with SDG&E and Blue Ribbon Services, contributing to various special ship projects.
Jrbug had a kind heart and would do anything for anyone. Though life brought him many ups and downs, he found joy in his mother’s cooking, playing cards and dominoes, watching football, and spending time with family and friends. He was a proud father of three children: Tiffany, Lanesha, and Devon, all of San Diego. While life’s challenges made it difficult to have the relationship he wanted with them, he never stopped trying. He believed strength and growth came through effort and struggle. Later in life, Jrbug reflected that life is like a photograph—you must use the negatives to develop. He understood that struggle was part of his purpose, and his story would always be one of strength, courage, and wisdom.
On July 10, 2025, Jrbug was called home to be with the Lord. He fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Otis Jones and Mary Ellen Jones.
He leaves to cherish his memory three brothers; Sylvester (Shag) Tyler (Shonda), Jerry Jones (Sheila), and Marcus (Butch) Jones (Angela), two sisters; Mary Ann (Mae Boosie) Sharp (Winston) and Tracy Jones, his beloved children; Tiffany Fountain (Darryl), Lanesha Lewis (George), and Devon Jones, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Casiana Forney (Dy’Lon), Courtney Williams, Dondrelle Lewis, Jonni Lewis, Bella Lewis, Levelle Lewis, Jenovah Lewis, and Braelynn Jones, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
